This is an album or rare, unreleased recordings from March 1979, recorded live at San Francisco's Deaf Club. The sound quality is excellent, & it features the original 5-piece line-up of Dead Kennedys. This is only the second-ever authorized live release from the band, after 'Mutiny on the Bay' from 2001. 15 tracks including a never-before heard DK song 'Gaslight', plus an 8-page booklet of brand-new art! Digipak. Manifesto. 2004. Album Description
 |  | A good show from a band just getting its sound together |  |
Recorded in the spring of 1979, this album catches the DK's in a rather unpolished state. Many of the songs (especially Kill the Poor and California Uber Alles) are much slower than the studio versions; it appears these guys really tightened up their chops by the time they recorded Fresh Fruit For Rotting Vegetables. On the other hand, Ill In The Head sounds amazing, and Holiday In Cambodia also kicks a$$. Overall, this is a great addition to your collection if you are a serious Dead Kennedys fan.
However, this CD is not without its flaws. for one thing, the booklet sucks; it's basically a weak attempt to imitate Jello's classic collage posters and booklets from the old records, but without any of the ironic, sarcastic wit. I'd have much preferred some liner notes with recollections from band members, and photographs from the show.
Also, there's the issue of Jello Biafra's voice. As any DK's fan knows, Jello's voice was so "nasal" that he made Brian Ferry pale in comparison; be prepared for some extremely shrill, whiny vocals on this recording. True fans won't be put off, but newcomers may not be able to get past that sound.
Overall, this is a must-have for fans. I would not receommend starting a Dead kennedys collection with this album, though.
May 9, 2008Meh.
The sound is half-decent, and the setlist does provide a few nice oddities, but.... there are DK bootlegs out there that are far superior to this cash-in.
Of note, many of the songs are considerably slowed-down and lacking in passion. The feeling just isn't there.
March 26, 2008 | | Until "A Skateboard Party" is released, this is it. | |
For those of us who were unable to see this band play when they were first out, this is a wonderful spotlight of what the band was like before acrimony slipped into the mix and Jello's ego became more important than the music. For those who've seen the "Reunited Dead Kennedys" without Jello (let's just say "Nazi Punks F*ck Off" is about Punks who act like Nazis, whatever the latest lead singer says nonwithstanding), this is a snapshot of what the real band was like. For those who've long expected songs done live to sound exactly like they were done in the studio, this is full of songs which were not released on studio albums, or were rewritten on the way to the studio ("Back in Rhodesia" comes to mind); other songs may not sound as peppy as they did in the studio because the band had to play them live - and they did a good enough job even though it may not be what you hear on the studio release.
This is the whole show with Jello's chitchat included. It's also a complete set. Both of these make this release much better than the "Mutiny on the Bay" atrocity that came before this.
December 24, 2006 | | Authentic look at raw authentic punk | |
To begin, this CD is very good and a buy for seasoned DK listeners. The quality is good and so is the set list. However this is not a CD that will likely be enjoyed by those not already familiar with the works, as some of the songs are performed a bit sloppily. Understand though that this is the Kennedys live in their hay-day and that is what punk is, especially harder punk; pretty inconsistent and rough on stage. If you buy this CD don't expect studio tracks, expect to smell the sweat a little if you know what I mean. I have read that Biafra condemns these reissues, however his opinion is obviously biased considering he no longer holds rights to the "dead kennedys". In summary this is a naked look into the actual past of one of America's best punk bands live and in their element, it is a very worthwhile album and valuable to the true listeners. If this CD was not released the public would be hard pressed to ever peer into that evening in San Fran and get their fill of smoke, sweat and speed, but thankfully the recording is now available to those who want to listen. Good packaging too.
January 11, 2006 | | Get your snake oil here!!! | |
Ha!! This is crap!! There is nothing at all here that is worth the purchase. The only cool thing is the disco version of "Kill The Poor" which is actually REALLY good. This set was recorded before FFFRV was released and it shows. Every song pales in contrast to the later studio versions. I was very interested to hear how the extra guitar would embellish the songs, but a very curious mixing job almost hides it in back. And as for all the 'hype' about the unreleased song "Gaslight".... there was a reason it went unheard: because it out and out stinks!!! A strong chorus catch phrase does not make a good song. It sounds unfinished and chaotic. The cover songs at sets end are also pointless and boring... This cd sucks. 'First Mutiny On The Bay' (which was pretty atrocious... don't tell me those were the best versions of songs they could find for that turd, that's pathetic), then this... Come on Biafra-less Dead Kennedys... stop living in the past. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see these guys are only out for the bucks. This release would NOT make a fan out of the band. I'll repeat that one: It will NOT make a fan out of the band. Why not a "new" live album with their newest replacement (i won't say scab) singer? Play all the old crappy, forgotten tunes you dropped, rock out your best karaoke versions of your 'greatest hits' and give us a real treat to hold in our hands. Better yet, instead of rehashing the past, why not put out a NEW album, with NEW songs. I triple dog dare ya!!! See if Biafra was really as unimportant to the fans and band as you seem to imply in interviews. If he was, why this crap rehash? The only good points about this are the very clean sound and Ted's killer drumming on "Ill In The Head". Oh and nice booklet of "new DK art".... not!! Pathetic... another half hearted attempt at cashing in on past laurels with absolutely no clue. I admit it, you got me again with the proverbial carrot on the stick!!! Forked out another dime on you snake oil salesman. And like true snake oil, the promises were in the packaging. Stay Away!!!
June 29, 2005More reviews at Amazon.com ...
